Monday, December 26, 2011

I have a term for the days following Christmas - I call it "Christmas afterglow". It's the time when the hustle and bustle comes to an end and when we smile and reflect on our blessings. We had a water pipe burst the morning of the "day after Christmas" last year, so we missed out on that special time. In return, my living room has been completely redecorated from floors on up, so this was our first Christmas in a "new" living room.

We added one last piece for the year to our living room. When I saw the grape carvings in the woodwork, I was instantly in love.

As you can tell from my lack of blogging that it has been an unusually busy month. I worked on commissions right up until December 23, and had to turn down a few. I'm already booked into mid January, so please, if you know you want something, even a few months from now, contact me right away.

I look forward to bringing in the New Year with some close friends and getting ready for an art reception. I have some new art pieces that I can't wait to share.

This is one of my favorite pics of the season - my kids on Christmas Eve. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Our family is truly blessed.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Yep - something is stirring in the studio! While the family is nestled, all snug in their beds, visions of artistry is dancing in my head.

well, it was worth a shot.

I'm working on a new series for an upcoming show. Let's just say I hope it puts a smile on your faces during these cold winter months. I hope to have something to share soon.

Meanwhile - if you are planning on going to the Great Artists Collective anniversary party tomorrow, please take lots of pics and share them with me. We have had a change of plans and won't be able to make the drive down. I'm sad about missing this, but relieved to have more studio time.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

To my friends who will be in New Orleans this weekend, you are invited to celebrate with us at the Great Artists Collective on Royal Street in the French Quarter. Many of the artists will be there for you to meet in person.

The Great Artists Collective is at 815 Royal Street, just a few blocks from Jackson Square. My friend owns Royal Street Deli on the corner of Ann and Royal, just a few doors down from the gallery. They have wonderful red beans and rice. I can't wait to eat there again.

There will be numerous people from Northeast Louisiana visiting this New Orleans that weekend because two of our high schools are playing in the championship games at the Super Dome. I'm so excited to be able to visit the French Quarter during the Christmas Holidays.

Speaking of Christmas - the Christmas on the River Parade and events this past weekend were fun. Here are a few of the many photos I took.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Tomorrow is Christmas on the River in Downtown West Monroe. The festivies include a Chili Cookoff and the annual Christmas Parade. I had the honor of working with the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor's Bureau in designing and hand-painting the spoons that will be awarded as prizes for the cooking contest.

My daughter went with us to the Christmas on the River Sponsorship dinner. This is the adorable dress we found for only $32 at Burlington.

It wouldn't be a Christmas party without Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus.

The theme for this year's event is "Candyland Christmas", hence the delicious candy table.

What a fun way to start the Christmas Season! We have another party to attend this weekend, and in another week we start another theatrical production. Fa la la la la. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by.

About Melanie

I'm a freelance artist (the kind where you paint on paper or canvas) and somehow morphed into a paper artist (the scrapbook "scissors and paper" kind). My art often is a combination of the two. I juggle art with being a wife/mom to 2 children and a very supportive husband. I'm a member of the Ouachita River Art Gallery in West Monroe and The Sugar Gallery in Monroe, where I participate in area art crawls, and I also sell my art online. I love anything artsy - so when I'm not creating - I'm thinking about creating.